Looking into the new year of 2026, home-listing strategies and interior design upgrades are shifting—especially toward wellness, health and activity-oriented spaces. According to Zillow, mentions of wellness features in listings have climbed 33 percent and “spa-inspired” bathroom descriptions are up 22 percent. Research also shows that homes incorporating a wellness design are achieving resale value premiums of 10-25 percent.
The National Association of Realtors reports that wellness is now the #1 motivator for home purchase decisions, this trend us expected to continue.
Bathrooms are becoming more than just functional spaces—they’re evolving into mini sanctuaries for everyone in the home. Think rainfall showers, deep soaking tubs, heated floors, natural materials, and clean, spa-style finishes. Homes beginning to be marketed in 2026 will list these as lifestyle benefits. Additionally, dedicated self-care zones are increasing: private meditation, infrared saunas, or home-spa installations in master suites are making their way into listings.
Beyond the bathroom, wellness orientation is infusing multiple zones. Bedrooms may have air-quality enhancements, indoor-outdoor landscaping, or quiet reading nooks for decompression (listings with reading-nook mentions are up nearly 48 percent ). Kitchens are still central, but rather than purely show-kitchens, they’re increasingly designed to support healthy living—open air, connection to garden, super-functional flow, a smoothie/prep station with juice bars.
A clear trend is exercise, sport and activity spaces. Man caves are fading while active-use zones are on the rise. Listings referencing golf simulators are up 25 percent, well as pickleball courts. Whether indoor or outdoor, buyers are looking for homes that support movement, sport, and wellness. For example, a basement converted into a golf simulator room, or a backyard configured for pickleball rather than just a patio or pool. It’s a mindset shift from passive entertainment to active engagement. Homes that support healthy, active, and personalized lifestyles resonate. Uniqueness matters.
Realty experts like Angela Medley suggest:
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In renovations prior to listing, consider upgrading the master bath into a spa-like space: freestanding tub, clean glass shower, ambient lighting, natural textures.
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Carve out a quiet nook for reading, meditation, or unplugged time—buyers seeking wellness will notice.
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If there’s space (garage, basement, backyard), think of flexible sport/activity purpose: golf simulator, multi-sport court (pickleball/hockey/basketball convertible), or a home gym that doubles as a wellness lounge.
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Emphasize functionality + wellness over gimmicks: features should feel usable, not just decorative.
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Marketing copy should capture lifestyle: “Wellness-minded design,” “active-living home,” “spa sanctuary,” “sport-ready yard,” not “man cave” or “large basement.”
In short homes that will sell best in 2026 are the ones framed not only as places to live—but places to thrive. A listing that speaks to comfort, movement, self-care, and personalization reflects what many buyers are truly going to be looking for in the near future.
As people live longer and multi-generational living becomes more common, the emphasis on health and well-being has surpassed even traditional home priorities. The National Association of Realtors reports that wellness is now the number-one motivator in home purchase decisions.
Listed for sale in Roswell currently by Angela Medley, is 2000 Grande Loch, a unique lakefront home that boasts his/her spa bathrooms, a 6 person sauna, steam shower, workout room and indoor lap pool. All located in the wellness wing off of the primary bedroom suite.
Reach out to discuss your wellness plans for your home and Angela can help you determine your ROI for the project.
www.angelamedley.com
Listed by Roswell realtor, Angela Medley, is 2000 Grande Loch, Roswell, a unique lakefront home that boasts his/her spa bathrooms, 6 person sauna, steam shower, workout room and indoor lap pool. All located in the wellness wing off the primary bedroom suite.